I understand why the Bucks are resting players for the playoffs ... can anyone explain to me the phenomenon of non-playoff teams resting their players? The Nets "resting" Brook Lopez and Jeremy Lin, in a game that could decided the final playoff spot? Sacramento, Denver, New Orleans, etc., all resting players ... for November?
They don't want a bad injury like a torn acl going into the offseason, ruining the trade value of their top players. Also, they can get a good look at players they have to make a decision on for next season.
Still, it really sucks for teams fighting for playoff spots.
I feel a little for the Heat, but not too much. If they expected to make the playoffs, they would have figured out not to have a really bad start. Leaving one's destiny up to fate at this time of the year is not the prescribed path for successful NBA teams.
What about the fans that are paying money to go see their favorite team? Why isn't the team compelled to offer you some type of discount if they start $10m of athletes out of a $100m payroll. Isn't this why the NBA has minimum levels of spending?
This is why the 76ers tanking drove me nuts. It is fine for those fans that don't commit to the team by going. Those that want to support their local basketball team with hundreds of dollars per game get completely screwed.
Adam Silver is 100% right. If there are too many games, do something about it. I'd rather spend extra money per ticket to see an actual NBA game versus watching backups play 48 minutes.